Afternoon Tea at the Savoy

Savoring Tea and British Tradition

By Sandra Scott

Afternoon tea in London personifies British gentility and no place does it better than The Savoy.  To have afternoon tea in The Savoy’s Thames Foyer, in the same room where once they were “Stomping at the Savoy,” where Caruso sang, and Pavlova danced was an experience we could not pass up. The Savoy opened in 1889 on the banks of the Thames and is where hotelier Cesar Ritz, as General Manager, introduced the practice of putting “reserved” cards on the best tables and enticing the ladies into the dining room by donning the tables with pink linens.

Entering Savoy Court, just off the Strand, my husband John and I immediately felt as if we were stepping into a different world, a world where tradition is preserved. The doorman, in a greatcoat and top hat, opened the door into the lobby that has retained its elegance. The Thames Foyer was prepared for tea with signature pale pink linens set with Royal Dalton china and a pianist playing an eclectic mix from “Braham’s Lullaby” to Scott Joplin to “Mambo Number Five.”

Afternoon tea has been a quintessentially British tradition since the 1800s, when it is said, Anna, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, grew hungry between the early luncheon and late dinner and had a light mid-afternoon meal served in her boudoir. Thankfully, the tradition continues.

Slywia, the hostess, presented us with the traditional three-tiered tray of delicate sandwiches, teacakes, and scones along with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve. The selection of teas was vast, making our decision difficult, so Slywia suggested we start with the traditional Earl Grey. Sipping the special Fairmont aromatic blend, John agreed. “Truly, this is the best Earl Grey I have every tasted.”

“Next, why don’t you try a green tea? I favor Sencha Kyoto Cherry Rose Festival from Sri Lanka,” suggested Slywia. The hint of sweet cherry and rose quickly made it my favorite.

John and I were learning that to follow Slywia’s suggestions was the way to a perfect tea experience. When she suggested we end with 100 Monkeys from China, a white tea with a pale champagne hue, we quickly agreed.

Afternoon tea at The Savoy was the perfect end to our five days in London. For four days we viewed London from the Original Tour Bus and the London Eye, visited the galleries and museums, and took Original Walking Tours in the evening. But it was during tea at the Savoy that we really felt the essence of London. It was the perfect respite from hectic sightseeing or shopping.

Over our last sip of tea John and I vowed: On our next visit to London we will not only have tea at The Savoy but top on our list of “To Dos” is the Savoy’s Covent Garden Theatre Land Walk with Theatre Tea. Paul Webb, a playwright and theatre critic, leads a tour through the theater district sure to be filled with theatre anecdotes and history. The tour ends with a pre-theatre tea at the Savoy. Tea, theater, and The Savoy, the tradition continues.

Visit The Savoy at www.fairmont.com.

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